- What Is a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
- How Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Work?
- What Are the Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
- Wisdom Tooth Extractions Reviews
- Am I A Candidate for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Address Problematic Wisdom Teeth
- Get In Touch
- Related Posts
What Is a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come in, and for many people, they create more problems than they solve. These third molars usually appear in the late teens or early twenties, often when there is not enough room in the mouth to support them. As a result, they may grow in at an angle, press against neighboring teeth, stay partially trapped under the gums, or fail to erupt altogether, leading to pain, infection, crowding, or damage to nearby teeth and bone. Wisdom tooth removal is a common oral surgery procedure and one we perform regularly at The Oral Surgery Center for Greensboro, NC teens, young adults, and older patients who are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms. Using our office's advanced 3D dental imaging tools and his years of experience, Dr. Justin L. Drab can help you find relief and avoid long-term complications with your oral health. If you've been referred for wisdom tooth removal or are struggling with symptoms of an ingrown wisdom tooth, schedule a consultation and exam to learn how we can help.
How Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Work?
We'll start with a full exam and digital imaging at our Greensboro, NC office to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and plan the best approach for removal. In most cases, wisdom teeth are removed under sedation or general anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. If the tooth is visible and has erupted normally, Dr. Drab may remove it through a simple extraction by gently loosening it first before removal. Impacted or partially erupted teeth may require a small incision in the gum or the removal of surrounding bone to fully access the tooth. Once the tooth is removed, Dr. Drab will clean and suture the area.
Recovery after wisdom tooth extraction typically takes 1 – 2 weeks, with most patients returning to normal activities after a few days. During the first 24 – 48 hours, you'll likely notice some swelling, soreness, and mild bleeding. Before you leave our office, we'll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage discomfort and ensure a smoother recovery. For at least the first few days, you should only eat softer foods (like yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, or scrambled eggs) that won't aggravate the surgery site. As the stitches dissolve and your mouth heals, you can gradually start incorporating more of your normal diet.
What Are the Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom tooth removal is recommended when the teeth are causing problems or are likely to in the future. The earlier wisdom teeth are removed, the simpler the procedure and recovery tend to be. The benefits of wisdom tooth extraction at our Greensboro, NC office include:
- Prevents future crowding or shifting of other teeth
- Reduces the risk of infection, cysts, or damage to surrounding bone
- Relieves pressure, pain, or swelling caused by impacted teeth
- Helps maintain long-term oral health and tooth alignment
- Shortens recovery time when done before roots are fully formed
- Eliminates a common source of decay and inflammation in hard-to-clean areas
Wisdom Tooth Extractions Reviews
My second child to have wisdom teeth removal here. So fast and efficient… I refer them to all our friends. We love Dr. Drab.
Dr Drab and his team did a phenomenal job with my wisdom tooth extraction. Everyone was very friendly and informative. I have pretty serious dental anxiety and they put all of my worries at ease. The procedure was painless and I would highly recommend this place 10/10.
10/21/25 surgery removed 4 wisdom teeth, procedure completed in about 1 hour. Very nice, helpful, attentive, caring, clean space. Quick to return call about question later after home. Was able to get surgery done sooner due to cancelation.9/10 For consult: Very clean office and waiting area. Everyone worked together like a well oiled machine. Dr. Dabb & assistant were very nice, detailed, patient, informative, helpful. Made us all feel comfortable. We will be going back for surgery. It was well worth the 2 months wait for consultation and a month and a half for surgery. Busy lobby of patients and well organized.
Today I had my wisdom tooth pulled and I tell you it was the best experience I have ever had before. I was talking and laughing with the Doctor and Nurses and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery are. Everything went so smoothly. Everyone in this office was very nice. The Doctor was very professional, polite and friendly.
Dr. Drab and his office staff are all very kind and caring. We just had 2 kids have their wisdom teeth removed and they were top notch both times.
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Average Rating
Am I A Candidate for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Ideally, wisdom teeth removal and third molar extraction are recommended for patients between the ages of 17 – 25 to support long-term oral health and prevent future complications. Not all wisdom teeth will definitively require extraction, though leaving impacted or overcrowded wisdom teeth in place may lead to additional dental problems over time. Our team will often recommend wisdom tooth extraction for patients with:
- A lack of room to allow proper wisdom tooth eruption
- Overcrowded teeth affecting overall alignment
- Fully or semi-impacted wisdom teeth within the gum tissues or bone
- Gum inflammation, mid-face puffiness, or jaw pain
- Tooth decay in the wisdom teeth or difficulty keeping them clean and plaque-free
- The development of a lump on the neck potentially related to oral infection
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wisdom tooth extraction considered a surgical procedure?
Yes, wisdom tooth extraction is a form of oral surgery, particularly when teeth are impacted or partially erupted. Our team is trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery and uses advanced methods to safely remove wisdom teeth while protecting nearby nerves, bone, and adjacent teeth.
Will I feel pain during the wisdom tooth extraction?
Patients should not feel pain during the procedure due to the anesthesia or sedation used. Our Team closely monitors comfort levels throughout the extraction and makes adjustments as needed to ensure a calm, controlled experience at The Oral Surgery Center in Greensboro, NC.
How long does a wisdom tooth extraction procedure take?
The length of a wisdom tooth extraction procedure depends on the number of teeth being removed and whether they are impacted. In many cases, the surgical portion can be completed in under an hour. Our team prioritizes efficient care while maintaining a careful, methodical approach throughout the procedure.
Address Problematic Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth start to shift, swell, or press against other teeth, the best approach is one that is timely, planned, and handled by someone who will prioritize your comfort and safety. Dr. Drab performs surgical extractions at The Oral Surgery Center in Greensboro, NC with a focus on minimizing complications and guiding each patient through recovery with practical, steady care. If the time has come to have your wisdom teeth extracted, our team will make sure the process is clear from your first consultation.